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Sunday, May 7, 2017

Fun with Sleeves: M7542

McCall's is running an online contest where contestants are challenged to create pattern M7542.  It is a simple basic bodice with several different versions of sleeves.  In some circles, I have read that it is the "Year of the Sleeve."  I thought it would be fun to participate so I made Version D with the flounced sleeve.

I used a striped blue and white cotton shirting fabric.  I decided to add my own little twist by lining the flounce in a solid blue cotton poplin.  I also added piping above the flounce in the same solid blue color.


McCall's M7542, Version D

It's been some time since I have made a woven top (I usually prefer knit tops) and I do need more tops in my wardrobe so this contest was just what I needed to get me working on another top.  The pattern's bodice has a boxy shape which I normally avoid but I do like how this top turned out.  



In case anyone is interested in lining the flounce, following are the steps:

First, for each sleeve I cut the flounce in each fabric of course:


I hand basted them right sides together and machine stitched with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.  I hand basted because I wanted to make sure the pieces did not shift as I handled them.  Using the 1/4 seam allowance meant I did not need to trim the seam allowance and it would make it easier for me to press the seam open.


The trickiest part was pressing the seam open.  I pulled the circles apart at the small center opening and inserted my Dritz seam roll.  I placed the seam over the end of the seam roll and pressed with a steam iron 2 inches at a time.  I did not worry about wrinkling the rest of the flounce.  I could always press out any wrinkles later.  For this important step, what mattered was making sure the seam was pressed open.


Once all of the seam allowance was pressed open, I turned it inside out from the center opening.  I pressed the edge flat making sure that the edge did not favor one or the other side of the fabric.  


I basted the center opening closed and continued with constructing the sleeve treating the flounce as one.  Once the flounce was attached to the sleeve, I pondered how to best finish the inside.  I could serge it but I did not want the serged edge to show when I lifted my arm or should the wind blow.  My solution was to cut a bias strip and bind the raw edge.



For the back closure, the pattern's instructions tells you to use a hook and eye.  However, I thought using a button and thread chain would create a more polished look.  I used a light blue button I found in my stash but I may change that in the future.



The cotton shirting has a very tight weave which made it difficult to ease the sleeves.  There is one sleeve I am not completely happy with so I will unstitch and re-attach that one (the left one).  I did not have time to finesse the sleeve because the deadline to enter the contest was today, May 7, and I needed to finish in enough time to have photos taken before my photographer had to leave.  I may make this pattern again with one of the other sleeves.  Perhaps I will make it in another cotton shirting or a fabric with a looser weave.  I may also add waist darts for more shaping but I will do so only if I use a solid color fabric or a busy all over print.  The options are endless and that's what so great about sewing!

Happy Sewing!

38 comments:

  1. So cute! I'm really interested in this pattern. Glad that you reviewed it. You did a fantastic job!

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    1. Thank you Eli cat! You should get this pattern. I am sure you would make a terrific top!

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  2. Great version of this blouse. The pattern itself is boxy and I think you did a great job to make it yours.

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    1. Thank you sewmanju. Your version was the inspiration for my fabric choice.

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  3. Great looking blouse, and the construction of the flounce on the sleeve is awesome.

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    1. Thanks so much Mariela Alethia! The idea for that flounce came to me as I woke up one morning.

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  4. Very nice. Love the sleeve lining and piping.

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    1. Thank you Beverly! It took some extra steps but I am happy with the results.

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  5. Your version is wonderful! I already liked this pattern, but you made me like it more! Also, how fun to participate in the contest. Good luck!

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    1. Thank you Vanessa! Those many sleeve options make it a really nice pattern.

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  6. I love this! That flounce is so fun!

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    1. Thank you Bianca - I do love the flounce!

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  7. that's so cute! I really love the fabrics you chose :)

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    1. Thank you Carolyn! I like the juxtaposition of a man's shirting fabric in a feminine silhouette.

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  8. Very pretty top! Love the fabric and sleeve flounces 💙 You did a lovely work, good luck on the contest 👍

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    1. Thank you Hana Velvet Ribbon. There were so many beautiful entries so competition is high but it is fun just to participate.

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  9. That's a great looking top! Thanks for reviewing - now the pattern goes on my wishlist!!

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    1. Thank you Virginie. Yes, you must get this pattern and make it up. I know you will make something beautiful!

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  10. I love your version, just such a beautiful job.

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    1. Thank you Lori! I love your versions as well. Great choice of fabric.

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  11. I love those sleeves! they are gorgeous!

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  12. Everything about this is beautiful! And it looks practical to wear. Ive always has a thing for sleeves; a lot of my older blog posts feature fancy sleeves. But I found the longer ones always get in the way, as nice as they are. So the length you have is perfect.

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    1. Thank you so much! Glad to know this sleeve won't get in the way of things!

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  13. This is so beautiful, Tomasa. The sleeves look great.

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  14. There have been so many great interpretations of this pattern, and yours is among them. I love the contrast of the lining on the flounce--it's really subtle, but it adds a nice bit of impact!

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    1. Thanks so much Elizabeth! You are certainly right...there are so many wonderful interpretations of this pattern. I am glad you like the lined flounce.

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  15. I just saw this review on PR. LOOOOOVE IT!

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  16. Great top! Love the way you finished your sleeves Tomasa!

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    1. Thanks so much Margo! They certainly are fun sleeves.

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  17. Thank you again Tomasa for all the tips for places to hit in the Garment District !!!!

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    1. You are welcome - have a great time shopping!

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  18. Great minds think alike cause I lined my sleeves too. Your top is pretty and I like that you added some piping to the sleeve, it's a wonderful design choice. I don't really like the top in this pattern but the sleeve options are amazing!

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    1. Thank you! Yes, great minds think alike indeed! The sleeve options are just so much fun. What a clever idea to turn yours into a dress, so pretty and feminine.

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  19. Don't know how I missed this wonderful pictorial! Your top is gorgeous, thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you Faye! It's such a fun top...love the sleeves.

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